Meet Your Guides

With a range of outdoor skills, knowledge and experience, our team of guides are well-equipped to ensure your time in the outdoors with us is as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.

Additionally, all of our guides are First Aid qualified.

John Feeney – Owner & Guide

Owner and operator of The Hiking Society, John’s journey into the outdoors has taken him far and wide across Victoria and into the North Island of New Zealand. Describing himself as ‘an avid hiker and camper’, John loves nothing more than sharing the outdoors with those who are just starting out to those who have been hiking and camping for several years. An advocate for both the physical and mental benefits associated with being in the outdoors, his priority is to ensure you have the most fun possible in the outdoors.

Certification – First Aid Level 2; Working With Children Check

Kerrie Van Ravenstein – Guide

After completing countless multi-day hikes across Victoria, NSW, Tasmania & internationally, Kerrie has been hiking since her early teens, participating in outdoor leadership courses developing her knowledge on navigating the outdoors & supporting others. As a registered teacher, Kerrie is keen to share her knowledge & experiences with others and show others the beauty our country has to offer. Working in the wellbeing sector in a school setting, Kerrie has a sound understanding of how the outdoors can influence & shape an individual’s overall health & wellbeing including children, teens & adults.

Jason Ellingworth – Guide

Having been a significant part of The Hiking Society community since late 2016, Jason has lead many day adventures and overnight adventures across Victoria from the Grampians in the west to Mount Beauty in the high country. Spending a part of his life in the Australian Army, as well as the time he has spent exploring New Zealand, Jason has also built up valuable outdoor skills including survival and navigation. His wealth of experience and approachable nature will certainly ensure that your time with him in the outdoors is both comfortable and rewarding.

Certification – First Aid Level 2

Georgina Cook – Guide

A lover of multi-day adventures, whether it be solo or with others, Georgina has had an intense love of the outdoors for four years. A mother of four, she is also an avid cyclist with a preference for endurance which certainly explains her love for multi-day adventures. Citing the mountains as her most favourite place to be in the outdoors, Georgina wants to encourage and support people, especially women, to find their feet through adventure.

Certification – First Aid Level 2; Working With Children Check

Matthew Duggan – Guide

Hiking has been a way of life which continues to let Matt experience the countless adventures that our country has to offer. He believes that Australia is home to some of the most unique diverse scenery that cannot be found elsewhere and the excitement of exploring new areas continues to drive his passion and love for the outdoors.

Certification – First Aid Level 2

Our goal is to provide an encouraging, enthusiastic and friendly environment whilst exploring the great outdoors both home and abroad.